San Francisco, CA, November 1, 2013 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today commended federal authorities on their vigorous investigation into a bias-motivated attack on a synagogue in Salt Lake City, which led to a federal grand jury indictment of Macon Michael Openshaw, 21. Openshaw, of Salt Lake City, allegedly defaced and damaged the synagogue in early 2012 by shooting at it.

An ADL investigation found that Openshaw, a white supremacist, made a number of postings on racist internet forums. Among his posts he claimed to be associated with several small white supremacist groups in recent years.

Seth Brysk, ADL Central Pacific Regional Director said, “We appreciate the persistent efforts of law enforcement to pursue this suspect and also protect the Jewish community.”

The ADL Central Pacific Region, based in San Francisco, spans Utah, Northern California, and Hawaii.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. Follow us on Twitter @ADL_News